Hello, and good morning, everyone! Hope you’re having a pleasant little Monday so far. And to all the mommas out there, I hope you all had a splendid Momma’s Day, yesterday! A quick shout-out goes out to my Mom and my rad sister, Jenny. They = fantastic mamacitas who make tasty margaritas. Well, my sister makes the margies. But my Mom and I loooooove drinking them! Ooohhh I could go for a Jenny margie right now. On the rocks, extra lime. Wait, it’s Monday morning and these are my thoughts. Baaaad, Alison. Baaaad.

I’m gonna move from drunkenness to dresses, without skipping a beat…

Ok, honestly, I don’t know how any of you could possibly pick just one dress at this point in the game. There’s just too much pretty out there.

You know the effect that Coldplay’s manufactured sound has on most of us? The way it calms things down and gives us those occasional happy shivers? These frocks have the same effect on me…

By the way, I have a couple of hairstyle comments/suggestions to make.

This:

… is how my dear mother styled my hair when I was a wee babe. She worked it up into a clean bun, shimmied me into my dress, and called me Pebbles. So, while I have some of the cutest baby photos you’ve ever seen, I can’t imagine wearing my hair in a similar style on my wedding day. Of course, I’m biased – I don’t want friends and family I’ve known since birth reminiscing about my baby hair ‘dos while I’m to-having and t0-holding. ‘Cause that would be what happened if I wore my hair like this. Which I won’t. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

On the other hand, this:

… is AWESOME. (By the way, I found both of these over at Elle.) It’s really quite perfect for a laid-back, backyard affair… if you love ponytails but don’t want to look like you dialed it in on your wedding day. Personally, I love ponytails (my go-to ‘do), and am always on the search for ways to change it up. So, naturally, I love this. Of course, it may err a little on the side of being too casual, so here, check out my top five tips for great wedding day hair if you’re looking for some fabulous ‘dos for your lovely lady locks. ;)

I just LOVE this wedding; the details make me so incredibly happy. The little Ferrero Rocher gold-foil wrapped chocolates (a childhood fave of mine) marking each guest’s seat at the table, the bride’s big, magnificent jewelry, the simplicity and skillful use of color… and, most of all… HER DRESS. This, ladies and gentlemen, is how a dress should fit. You know and I know that it really does all come down to that. (Well, aside from all the love and happiness stuff, but you follow me.)

The thing is, if your dress fits properly, you own the day. Simple as that. No worries about photos marred by your constant need to lift a falling strapless gown – which happens waaaaay too often. No unsightly gathering or bulging at the waste when you sit down to eat (that is, if you sit down to eat). Proper fit is important, and I advise you to go out and get it. But don’t fret; it’s not a requirement that you spend copious amounts of your earnings on alterations. You may need to do a little sleuthing, but I’m confident that someone you know, somewhere, has the 411 on a stellar seamstress who’s well-versed in making dress dreams come true.

Doesn’t she look phenomenal?!! A perfect fit will leave you looking stylish and sexy, but still completely appropriate. Which is pretty much my definition of the ideal wedding day look.

Now, check out a bride with what I consider a fab, simple ‘do, also shot by Sara. Her name’s Julie, and while she’s stunning head to toe, I especially admired what she did up top on her wedding day. So basic; half-up, half-down. But the classic, timeless beauty of the look she has accomplished makes me swoon!

Here’s why I love this dress (which was featured in one of Abby’s amazing real weddings on Style Me Pretty):

I’ve always been frustrated by two very conflicting desires I have for “THE DREAM” dress. One desire is to have a gown that is simple, playful and girlie, which, for me, translates to just right above the knee. Plus, everybody has a certain feature that they love about themselves, and for me, it’s my gams. (And if you don’t have a feature that you love about yourself, STOP IT. YOU’RE BEING TOO CRITICAL. And if you’re really having trouble, ask someone if you must… in fact it’ll probably make your day.) The other (equally strong) desire is to achieve a classic, elegant look, and not to appear foolish and/or stunted. Which, for me, translates most likely to a floor-length gown. I’ve always assumed that there’s really no in-between, aside from those mid-calf-cutting pedal pusher frocks. And what I know for certain is that I will NOT wear a dress that cuts me off mid-calf. Here’s a little history on that…

When I was younger, I didn’t look like what these 13- and 14-year-old-girls look like these days. I don’t know why, maybe I didn’t drink enough hormone-laden milk products during my formative years. Whatever. I just didn’t look like a woman when I was a child. And in more recent years, I’ve totally embraced that fact. It gave me a few more years to be a kid, and for that, I’m grateful. But it wasn’t doing me any favors back when I was living it. The reason I’m telling you that story is because two features I haaaaaaaaaaaated about my body were calf 1 and calf 2. I really, really, really hated them. And I wasn’t yet the towering 5’4 I am now, so my legs were shorter… and I played soccer. And my mother is German. Sooooo… I had muscular calves. I think they were the recessive and dominant genes available… it was my destiny. They weren’t like these massive calves by any means, it’s just that everyone pointed them out, and how “powerful” they looked. (Thanks, everyone, for that, by the way.)

When I think back on what they said, I realize that they were being more flattering than anything else, but you really can’t blame me. I mean, come on, these were the puber-tastic days. Puberty is defined as not being able to process the pointing out of extremely unique bodily features as a good thing. That is the definition. So I felt hopelessly different, and it totally made the issue far worse in my mind than it ever was.

Anywho, fast-forward a couple years later, and everything changed. EH. VRUH. THUH. I got those things the milk drinkers got – but they came about naturally, which was obviously best. It was a case of latent (or maybe, appropriately-timed?) genetic onset. And boy was life full of sunshine and lollipops from that point, forward. (HAHAHH, just kidding. Boobs and proportional legs do not a perfect life make, Heidi Montag Pratt. But I think you already know that at this point. Actually, do you?)

… Anyway, that kinda sorta in a roundabout way leads me to why I’m a fan of this dress. It’s a sweet little combo of elegant, floor-length style, and tea-length playfulness, all rolled up into one heck of a gown. With no mid-calf cutting of any kind!

Aaalllllright! So! Enough about me, eh? Picture time:

About the dress, since you’re probably wondering: Melody (the bride) purchased it in Manhattan at Cheap Jack’s Vintage Store – I am NOT messing with you, this is real – and had it custom altered to fit her more modern aesthetic:

“My dress was purchased at Cheap Jacks Vintage store in Manhattan for $350. It has no tags, so it might be homemade, circa the 50’s/60’s. It was full length and I had it cut off to be short in the front and long in the back, removed the straps and a pink flower applique, added a jeweled belt, and basically redesigned the entire thing…”

Yeah. She wasn’t kidding around. Amazing job, Melody.

By the way, this girl and I were separated at birth. Evidence:

“My headpiece was purchased on Etsy. It’s actually three things all pinned on my head together because I couldn’t find one I liked by itself.”

I saw this PHENOMENAL e-session on Wedding Chicks the other day and couldn’t believe my eyes. Let me explain.

There have been a LOT more risqué photo shoots on the internets these days. But just because they’re becoming more prevalent, it doesn’t mean I’m getting used to them. Each time I catch a glimpse of a brand spankin’ new butt, or the side-most section of a titter-tatter, I feel like a peeping Tom. It’s like I’m seeing something I shouldn’t be seeing…

But then I scroll down – because you can’t look away… I mean, right? – and I’m usually met with a bevy of absolutely stunning, evocative images that prove to me, almost every time, how beautiful and important these sessions truly are to the subjects involved. Of course, there’s the obvious drive in pretty much all of us to capture forever on film the smooth, supple skin of our youth… the fleeting, all over “perkiness,” if you will. But there’s also a deeper, less superficial purpose to these sessions, and it involves the unique bond between these couples. It screams off the page in sessions like these. That electric love experienced by both partners charges these images, and who doesn’t want that etched in something that lasts forever… say, film?

Well… Joyce, Joey and Ellen of Hong Studio: this is what I consider a mission accomplished:

I should note here that the shoot wasn’t wholly scandalous. I mean, even the finest couple needs a few shots to take home to Grandma. So, Grandma’s shots:

Precious. Touching. Totally innocuous. Grandma will never catch on that they were just sexing it up, naked-style half an hour earlier.

Umm… s’cute! as my baby nephew says:

Here’s a fun fact: the breathtaking bride-to-be has her own eyelash studio in Vancouver, Canada. Uh, wow, Joyce. I’m impressed. It’s called Noir Lash Lounge Inc. Sadly, I couldn’t be farther from Vancouver, and I don’t have a good enough reason to take a trip out there any time soon. (My bank account doesn’t consider eyelashes a good enough reason, and I have to agree with it.) Oh, and by the way, she’s not just the owner… she’s also a client! HAHAHAHHHH yeah I’ll be here all week.

I’m really starting to fall for this dress-making diva, Sarah Seven. She’s a force in the industry, and her unique, super feminine frocks have been speaking to me, lately. Volumes. With their frills and folds, their taut waistlines and flirty, unfinished hemlines, her creations have the unique femininity sought after by so many brides, let alone women in general.

I’m curious, what do you think of these frocks? Do they fit your style?

By the way, if you like what you see here, you can visit Sarah Seven’s Etsy shop to check out what’s available!

By the way, that model is STUNNING, is she not? Maybe it’s really just her face and awesome hair that sell these threads for me. ‘Cause I am hook, line and sinker for each and every one of them. And I usually don’t adore an entire line like I do this one. But just look at that punim! I think she’s the only person in the world who could sell me a pair of overalls.

Some of these looks would work brilliantly as your (slightly risqué) reception frock, no? Like this one, for instance:

There’s something about this dress that I love… alas, I’m a mere 5’4, and this shape requires HEIGHT. So I shall continue to admire it from afar (as is so often my fate!).

Love the lace going on here – very bridal. Not a HUGE fan of the pants, but then again… 5’4.

I love the Summer 2010/Special Issue of New York Weddings. It’s really good. SO good, in fact, that I’ve been in the habit of keeping it on my person wherever I go for the last couple of weeks or so. And I must say, their site is no less entertaining and informative.

Here are some lingerie suggestions I picked up on a recent visit. These would be quite the delightful bridal shower gift for any bride-to-be. Though, I’m sure those of us who love this kind of stuff will be more than tempted to, uhh, take things into our own hands…

Miley Cyrus wore this sparkling beauty of a gown at the Oscars, and I had mixed feelings about it. First, check it out on one of Packham’s (especially angry looking) models. A lovely gown, it is. I’m a fan of the yellow backdrop, as well. It’s bright and uplifting, but, most of all, seems to be doing its part to summon a long overdue Brady Bunch musical reunion special.

… Pretty dress, right? Pretty unique, pretty sparkly, pretty corsetty without being too corsetty… overall, quite pretty, indeed. However, on such a young starlet like Miley (she wore it to the 82nd Annual Academy Awards on March 7), I have to admit, I felt more than a little uncomfortable looking at her. Because when I look at her, I believe I’m looking at a 28 year old woman.

But, like Dr. Oz says, “it’s time for her real age…”

Here it comes…

… She was born November 23, 1992, and that makes her 17 years old.

17.

Okay, don’t get me wrong; she looks fabulous. It’s just that it seems a little early in life to be dressing that adult. And by adult, I mean letting it all hang out. Which isn’t necessarily adult, per se. But you catch my drift.

What really grosses me out is that my google search of “miley cyrus age” yielded, as its first result, a site entitled “Miley Cyrus Age Countdown,” the sole purpose of which is to count down the days until Miley turns 18 (in other words, becomes legal). Gross.

So, while I am all about linking back and giving credit where credit is due, I will NOT be linking to that site. I hope you understand.

Moving right along.

For the sake of discussion, let’s all agree to forget Miley’s so young. Jenny Packham makes a ridiculously ravishing gown. And Miley’s hair and makeup are marvelous. Marvelous. I mean, those are some EYELASHES, girl. You clearly aren’t kidding around. All in all, we’ve got some truly great inspiration for a bridal look worthy of an awards show.

Now for a little bling inspiration…

Okay, so that’s what Miley wore. However, I’d like to offer up to you some of my own glitzy suggestions, all from Packham’s Spring 2010 line:

Jenny’s got some fabulous bling going on for Spring, I do not lie. It’s beyond hot and I’m a little obsessed. (Stay tuned if you want to see the rest; I’m planning to feature lots more of her bright, flashy line in an upcoming post!)

One last thing. Here’s the lad with whom she spent significant chunks of time that night. Cutie, right? They’re starring in a movie together that I will likely not go to see. But best of luck to them both.

His name is Liam Hemsworth, and he was by Miley’s side as they attended the 18th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party in West Hollywood, California. Good golly, Miss Miley. Nicely done.

Remember this sneak peek? Of course you do – I haven’t experienced so much positive feedback since transitioning out of diapers.

Now, for this post, I’m gonna do something CRAZY. And that’s cut the small talk. Because this series of posts speaks volumes, and I don’t feel like shouting to share the stage. ;) However, before we begin, here’s a quick word to the wise:

Bigger is always better…

So click on each photo if you want to feel like you were there with me.

Alright, without further adieu, I present to you… Vera.

Breathtaking, right? When this show began, I remember becoming consumed by what was strutting immediately before me. Unable to keep it inside, I turned to a friend seated next to me to whisper how I felt… “A sense of calm has washed over me. I feel like I’m lazing in a spa, or floating on a thick cloud. This is INTOXICATING.”

All the time, as I walk the streets of New York, Westchester and the Island of Long, I see girls who look absolutely stunning in their everyday lives. Many sport low ponies, others rock side-swept bangs. They look great; their chosen styles suit them. And, as a people watcher, I love good style. It’s a treat for me.

But, come the wedding day, something changes for some brides. It happens to so many of these normally stylishly coiffed contessas, something that I can describe only as a tragic disconnect between their naturally on point senses of style, and what they believe looks even better in the context of their wedding day. Curls when they normally rock it straight, or a tight updo when they typically let if flow free. Too often, my internal dialogue sounds something like this: “Shoot, you looked so good yesterday in your go-to high pony, why did you think pin curls were the right style for your big day?” I just don’t get it! This phenomenon I can’t fully explain. It baffles me – though I do have some ideas.

I understand the desire for change, for something fresh, different, new… and, thus, presumptively more beautiful. But it’s not every time that the latter follows the former. And when I see it happen, a few signals go off in my head that lead me to some probable assumptions about what precipitated the mess up top.

I don’t want this to happen to any more brides. I can’t in good conscience allow it. I’ve spoken to too many brides who have expressed regret over their ‘day-of-do’ to let it go on any longer.

… So, I’ve created a quick reference list of the best advice I can offer when it comes to your wedding day locks. SERIOUSLY, pay attention, I do this out of love…

5 Top Tips for Great Wedding Day Hair:

~ Consider how you wear your hair normally. Is this somewhat chic, and would you consider it appropriate for a formal event? Then maybe it’s the perfect look and you shouldn’t mess with a good thing.

~ Ask trusted friends and family. Some- no, many people will lie to you because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. Which can lead to hair fails. And this is not the time for a hair fail.

~ Don’t be led by your stylist. It doesn’t matter if the person doing your hair likes it; it matters if YOU like it. Ok? So be true to yourself.

~ It’s easier to be true to yourself when you plan ahead, as in arrange for a consultation/trial so you can actually take a mental (and actual) picture of what you can expect to look like. This will also let you know if you and your chosen stylist are on the same page when it comes to the definition of looking good.

~ Always keep this in mind: he’s already proposed to you, which means he wants to spend the rest of his life with you, and you’ve looked the way you look now, all along. You must look at least half-way decent already.

***

For inspiration, I have included within this post a veritable Smörgåsbord of hair styles I consider to be wedding-appropriate. (Save for that very first one; that’s just for laughs… OF COURSE.) Please hover over the images for their details and credits, which have been assigned where available. Images without detailed information are courtesy of Polyvore.

Have you decided what you’ll be doing with your hair on your wedding day? If you have, and today is not your wedding day, then kudos, I am impressed. Keep reading only if you have not decided on your wedding day hair, you like pretty pictures, or you’re a stickler for finishing what you’ve started. (Good for you; what are we without our idiosyncratic principles?)

Okay, so here’s the deal:

I have yet to decide how I’ll be wearing my hair the day of my wedding. No, it’s not okay. It’s a problem.

And it doesn’t help that everyone advises me differently.

For a while, I’ve been pretty certain that I’d like to wear it down, you know, the wavy look. You’ve seen it on The Hills, and probably Baywatch (I think I’m dating myself for the first time with that reference). It’s that beach babe look. Here it is, on a celebrity:

Anyway, some photographer friends of mine have said it’s a mistake to wear your hair down. Okay, in some cases I can see that. No amount of Extra Hold hairspray is going to help you on the edge of a cliff. But in most other situations, I just don’t see the problem with letting my hair down! Well, according to them, there’s an inevitable point during the reception, a certain tipping point of sorts, when a bride’s hair will go rogue and begin to look stringy in photos. They did not say “may,” they said “will.” So, apparently, to wear my hair down is to risk certain death… of my wedding photos. Because half of those taken at my reception will be unusable due to my flyaway, homeless-looking wreck of a do.

Well, during a visit to The Wedding Chicks blog today, I caught a glimpse of a seriously great wedding photographer. So, if you’re still out there searching for your wedding photographer, I strongly recommend checking out the swoon-worthy work of Denise Bovee.

Now back to the matter at hand. My hair. Hehe. It’s IMPORTANT!

But seriously, it is.

No, seriously.

There have been only a handful of times so far in my wedding planning when I’ve seen an updo that could overtake wavy look‘s significant lead.

That takes us to some photos, taken by Bovee, of what a good hair day looks like…